By Leslie Simon

The sun is out and the magical season of outdoor live music in Colorado has begun! This year, the 2025 Summer Concert Series at the Arvada Center has acts that will have you dancing, a country superstar, jazz-tinged 90s hip hop legends, and more. Check out this playlist to get you in the mood for a nice, easy night under the stars and grab your concert tickets at the summer concert webpage. 

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue “Lifted”

New Orleans’ beloved son Trombone Shorty kicks off the outdoor concert series in grand fashion, bringing his high-energy mix of New Orleans jazz, funk, rock and hip-hop to the Arvada Center for the very first time. 

Digable Planets “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)”

90s hip-hop legends Digable Planets take jazz samples and conscious lyrics to the catchiest of levels. 

The Robert Cray Band “Live in Concert”

Blues legend Robert Cray shows that when it comes to guitar skills, you age like a fine wine. He and his band play some scorching shows and aren’t afraid to let loose.

The Wallflowers “One Headlight”

Jakob Dylan shows that poetic, introspective lyrics run in the family with his band The Wallflowers, and we can’t wait to sing along to this song together.

Burton Cummings of The Guess Who “American Woman”

The voice of a generation, Burton Cummings, lead singer of Canadian 70s rock band The Guess Who is a delightful showman with stories and surprises up his sleeve. Check him out talking about the origins of his giant hit “American Woman.”

Face Vocal Band “Queen Medley”

Colorado’s A cappella Crown Princes Face Vocal Band bring their exhilarating new show “Voices From the Ages” to the Arvada Center Outdoor Amphitheatre - a place they are very familiar with! 

Five For Fighting “Superman (It’s Not Easy)"

Any fan of the WB back in the day immediately knows Five For Fighting’s smash hit “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” - especially if you were a Smallville fan. 

Vertical Horizon “Everything You Want”

Georgetown undergrads Vertical Horizon put the alternative rock scene of Y2K Washington DC on the map with several hits that were inescapable due to their widespread appeal.

Ozomatli “Willie and the Hand Jive”

Outrageously funky LA group Ozomatli is renowned for getting audiences grooving with a super cool vibe full of salsa rhythms and activist viewpoints.

Las Cafeteras “Cumbia de Mi Barrio”

Electro-folk and Afro-Mexican rhythms meet traditional Son jarocho and zapateado dancing with the East Los Angeles Chicano musical collective Las Cafeteras. Their focus on connection to land and your community set to a fast-paced beat sounds fresh and authentic.

Keb’ Mo’ “Room On The Porch”

Keb’ Mo’ at 73 shows no signs of stopping, and came out with an acclaimed album “TajMo” with Taj Mahal just last week! 

Shawn Colvin “Sunny Came Home”

Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Shawn Colvin has been sharing her heart through her vocals and guitar-playing for decades, and we can never help but crank up the radio and sing along when “Sunny Came Home” comes on. 

Clint Black “Killin’ Time”

One of the crown jewels of the country scene, Clint Black returns to the Arvada Center with his Back On The Blacktop Tour, and we can’t wait to kill some time with a cold drink at his show. Check out this recent version of his classic hit from CMA Fest 2024.